Nope. He couldn’t go to the Santa House opening. Because Madison was right, he might end up inviting Cassidy back here afterwards, to his farm shop. It didn’t take much for his mind to wander—to picture her exactly where he’d want her: perched on the edge of his shop counter. She’d tilt her head in thatmischievous way. He’d step between her legs, hands sliding under her hips, tugging her to the edge.
And then?—
She’d wrap her legs around him. Tight. Hungry.
Her breath would catch when he kissed her, the way it had earlier, like she hadn’t expected to be caught off guard. His mouth would trail down her throat. Her hands in his hair.
He could see it so clearly, it made him groan under his breath.
Liam shifted, adjusting himself, heat crawling up his neck.
“Yeah, you’re real subtle,” Zach said, laughing.
“Shut up,” Liam commanded unconvincingly, his eyes drifting once again across the street.
Just as Cassidy managed to get the wreath back up, it fell again, pulling down a strand of lights with it. She stomped her foot, then glanced up—catching him watching her.
For a moment, their eyes locked through the glass.
Cassidy’s lips parted. She cocked her head, challenging him.
Liam lifted his chin, smirked, and pointed to the wreath, silently offering her a hand.
She rolled her eyes, flipped her braid over her shoulder, and turned her back to him.
Zach let out a bark of laughter. “Right. Nothing going on there at all.”
“Go home,” Liam said, unable to hide his grin as he turned back to the honey display.
But inside, he was buzzing.
He’d only met the woman twice, and already Cassidy annoyed the hell out of him. She distracted him, frustrated him.
And Iwant her so damn badly.
Zach motioned to Liam’s sketch pad and the computer. “You sure you’ve got this under control, man?”
Liam glanced over, drumming a pencil lightly against the edge of the counter.
Zach turned serious. “Look, I know how you feel about Christmas. You want some help with all this?”
“Thanks. I’m probably going to need it.”
“Alright, then. You got it.”
“Thanks, man.”
“When do you want to start?”
“Sooner the better,” Liam said, crossing his arms, eyes flicking toward the window across the street. “I really want to win.”
Zach wandered over to the honey tasting table, ignoring the spoons and dipping toast bites straight into the samples, because of course he did.
“How’s Jackson doing now that he’s back home?” Zach asked, brushing crumbs from his hands.
“Better,” Liam said. “Keeps to himself mostly, but he’s good with the animals. The llama sanctuary’s helping.” Liam glanced up. “Thanks for getting George involved.”
“There wasn’t much convincing needed. Madison’s dad has a soft spot for animals. And having your family farm as another rescue site will help a lot. The inn’s already got more than enough animals.”
